2026 World Cup Group H: Uruguay vs Spain Preview, Odds and Predictions (June 26)

• When: Friday, June 26, 2026. 8:00 PM ET
• Where: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico
• How to Watch: FOX

The 2026 World Cup progresses through the third round of matches with the final matchup in Group H getting underway in Guadalajara as Uruguay encounters Spain. Both squads are fighting for a place in the Round of 32, meaning there will be plenty of pressure on both nations on MD3.

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Uruguay Stats & Team News

Uruguay is at serious risk of missing out on the knockout rounds for the second consecutive tournament. They underwhelmed in its first two matches, drawing 1-1 against Saudi Arabia and 2-2 against debutants Cape Verde.

The offense has been able to net goals in both matches, giving positive momentum ahead of the group finale. However, defensive errors in the backline and the goalkeeper will leave Uruguay vulnerable to trailing early into matches. They cannot do that if they wish to keep up in their showdown against Spain. Keep an eye on Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio to be active on the attack after scoring the team’s first goals of the tournament.

Likely Lineup:

(4-2-3-1) Muslera (GK); Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Bentancur, Ugarte; Canobbio, Valverde, Araújo; Viñas

Spain Stats & Team News

Spain seems to be back on its elite level following a stunning 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde. With Lamine Yamal playing himself back into form, he scored his first World Cup goal as the Spaniards torched Saudi Arabia by a convincing 4-0 score.

Spain boasts incredible ball movement that paves the way for many shot opportunities to surface to the offense’s favor. However, it will be important for them to capitalize on those chances against a vulnerable Uruguay side.

Likely Lineup:

(4-1-2-3) Simon (GK) Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Olmo, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams

Head-to-Head Stats

• This is the sixth all-time meeting between Uruguay and Spain.
• This marks the fourth competitive meeting between the nations, first since the 2013 Confederations Cup.

Uruguay vs. Spain World Cup Picks

Uruguay will need its best defensive showing to pull off an upset against Spain. However, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal will look to make that difficult as one team’s fans will go home upset about their squad’s performance in this match. It would be safe to believe that Spain takes this one by a 3-1 score.